PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has said the Patriotic Front (PF) has transformed the country’s economy in the few years it has been in power despite the prevailing global financial challenges.
Mr Lungu said his Government had managed to score successes in the economy because it was focused and believes in its developmental ideas.
He said his Cabinet was hard working and dedicated to ensuring economic development and improve the lives of the people despite the challenging times.
“I believe in my leadership and I have confidence that my Cabinet is on top of things to ensure that this country thrives above the prevailing challenges, God has given us potential and he cannot give us what we cannot manage,” Mr Lungu said.
The Head of State said this yesterday when he addressed a gathering during the mentorship programme for 60 pupils organised by the First Lady Esther Lungu, sponsored by Stanbic Bank and Junior Achievers (JA) at State House.
Mr Lungu said despite the financial challenges and drawbacks under his leadership, the country’s economic situation had continued to improve and his Government would deliver on its five year mandate.
He urged the pupils to focus on education and believe in themselves, despite what others would say about them, as he does, if they were to succeed in life.
The First Lady called on the pupils to work hard and make their experience during the mentorship programme a stepping stone for their future career progression.
Ms Lungu also urged the physically challenged pupils to rise above their disabilities and prove to the world that they were just as able as anybody else and could be counted among those that excel in various fields of study.
She challenged the girl child to ensure that they stay away from teenage pregnancy and concentrate on studying as it would save them from many vices by avoiding all negative activities to pursue their career development.
Stanbic Bank board chairperson Austin Mwape said the bank had partnered with the Junior Achievers team to address some of the issues that affected pupils in rural areas as part of its promise, to invest in the future.
The event was also attended by General Education Minister Dennis Wanchinga, former first lady Thandiwe Banda, JA executive director David Chakonta, Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) executive director Agnes Mumba and Stanbic Bank staff among others.
Stanbic Bank also donated a cheque worth K200, 000 to the first lady’s office.